Democracy and Human Rights Fund
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa

The Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) of the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa provides financial assistance to small-scale activities in Ethiopia that support democratic institutions, promote political pluralism, and protect and advance human rights.  DHRF-supported projects have reduced acceptance for and protected girls from FGM, provided mobility aids that foster independence among disabled persons, improved judicial practice so that Ethiopian courts provide quicker access to justice, and reduced conflict between opposing ethnic groups.

Projects selected for DHRF funding must:

• be small and focused
• lead to concrete change (e.g., the publication of a manual that the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs adopts as policy regarding the rights of the disabled) or increase awareness (e.g., a media campaign intended to influence legislators on the rights of women and children)
• be completed in one year
• need only one-time assistance
  

Funded projects typically range from 18,000 to 20,000 USD.  Each year, the DHRF accepts applications until March 31 for projects that will be funded the following U.S. fiscal year, which begins October 1 and ends September 30. 

Click here for the DHRF application form. (pdf)